Motherwort with Thomas Avery Garran + Tension Relief Tincture

I've spent many hours poring over Thomas Avery Garran’s materia medica books. In fact, his first book was one of the first herbal books that I bought when I started studying Chinese medicine! And as you’ll see in this episode, Thomas clearly loves plants and has wonderful insights into them, from their gifts and energetics to how to grow and harvest them.
I was surprised when Thomas chose motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) as his plant for the interview - I just didn't see it coming! But as you’ll see, it’s obvious how much he loves motherwort, and he shares so much about this wonderful plant’s gifts - including his recipe for Tension Relief Tincture.
By the way, if you are or know someone who suffers from PMS, this is one recipe you don’t want to miss! (You can find the link to the beautifully illustrated recipe card in the resources below.)
By the end of this episode, you’ll know:
► A lesser-known herbal preparation that can be made with motherwort
► How to recognize high-quality cut-and-dried motherwort
► Five tips for growing and harvesting your own motherwort
► The main health conditions for which motherwort’s gifts shine
► When you should (and shouldn’t) use motherwort
► Why Thomas is passionate about herb farming
► and so much more…
For those of you who don’t know him, Thomas Avery Garran has been studying plant medicine for over 30 years. He lived in China for sixteen years and received his PhD in Materia Medica studies and Plant Pharmacy at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, and was the first non-Chinese recipient of this degree. He has a master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and a certificate in herbal medicine from the American School of Herbalism. Thomas is the author of two books on the use of Western herbs in Chinese medicine; he is also the translator of the first book on growing and processing daodi Chinese herbs and the first men’s health book published in Chinese medicine in the mid 17th century. Thomas is also the co-translator of a free e-book on the initial response to the Covid outbreak by the Chinese medicine community in China. He is the executive director of the East West School of Herbology and president of Herb Whisperer, Inc. which focuses on agriculture of medicinal plants and education. Thomas now resides in Western Massachusetts, where he and his wife are building an herbal sanctuary and educational center.
I’m thrilled to share our conversation with you today.
-- RESOURCES --
► Get your free, downloadable recipe card, plus herbal goodies every Wednesday when you sign up for my weekly newsletter: bit.ly/4bstjU0
► Access the transcript for this episode here: www.herbalreme...
► Thomas’s website: www.herb-whisp...
► Instagram: / east.west.herb.school
► Facebook: / herbwhispererphd
► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Cut and dried motherwort, plus motherwort seeds and extract are all available. Click here to check them out: bit.ly/3ms3vQ2.
You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: bit.ly/3NRQq0U
-- DISCLOSURE --
I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary.
By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks!
-- TIMESTAMPS --
01:11 - Introduction to Thomas Avery Garran, PhD
04:06 - How Thomas found his herbal path
10:39 - Thomas’ books on Western herbs and Chinese Medicine
13:15 - Why Thomas loves motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
17:13 - European motherwort vs. Chinese motherwort
19:35 - Motherwort for the heart
24:17 - How Thomas likes to work with motherwort
31:03 - Gynecological indications for European motherwort
33:58 - Tension Relief Tincture
39:39 - What about the licorice in this recipe?
44:16 - Closing thoughts about motherwort
48:14 - Learning opportunities at East West School
56:56 - The herbal skills Thomas is currently cultivating
1:05:55 - Herbal tidbit
-- SWEATER PATTERN --
Yes, I did knit my sweater! Pattern is: Love Note by Tin Can Knits.
-- DISCLAIMER --
The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

[@patriciamoran9143]

I had to watch this so that I can understand my motherwort more deeply. When I was first learning about herbs in 80's, no one was really talking about motherwort. We live in the city where I've had a small scale organic garden for over thirty years. Eight years ago, the house next door was sadly turn down. We were offered the property by the county and immediately inherited what was left of an old perennial garden which includes a large swath of motherwort. I firmly believe that plants, like people and animals, come to us when we need them. I'm humbled and excited by that.

[@wandawiebe1581]

Thomas, my dear neighbour lived until his 95th winter, and still lived in his own house and worked his own garden last summer. Pursuing gardening need not be limited by age!

[@melaniebrown8809]

I can't live without Motherwort. I have reached for the tincture many, many times when experiencing anxiety accompanied by general heart palpitations. I feel immediate relief with just one or two dropperfuls. There is a small walking trail through some nearby woods here in Massachusetts where I found Motherwort growing. I visit each year to harvest or just visit right when it begins flowering. Truly one of my favorite plants

[@viviankeh441]

So pleased to see motherwort featured. I started a small patch from seed a few years ago, and I feel it is established enough this year to make medicine with her. It is an herb I cannot do without. Just sitting by the plant has been so beneficial. And i learned just a few days ago that our resident hummingbirds enjoy its nectar!

[@florinhart3558]

How brilliant to know the prime time for harvest. I greatly appreciate your knowledge . Many thanks

[@lovinjourneys]

I’ve always described using motherwort is like getting a hug!

[@cynthiatalbert3037]

Rosalee, this was very informative.I have used Motherwort,and now I have learned much more from you and Thomas! Thank you 🌿🌙💚

[@HerbsWithRosalee]

You are so welcome!

[@dearprudy]

Thank you! I think i will grow motherwort.

[@MrLukeOlson]

Thank you, thank you Rosalee. I love ALL these interviews. Thanks for introducing us to these Herbalist greats, including yourself. Here in SW MN I saw these "weeds" everywhere, but tonight I've entered them into my Materia Medica, and really enjoyed this video.

[@Thankful1998]

This is a happy weed throughout my yard. Nice to know it is a beneficial.

[@MM-op6ys]

I had read somewhere that one who is on the side of hypothyroidism should avoid taking motherwort. I would greatly appreciate any insights on this, thank you.

[@paulashaham6282]

I take small doses irregularly (less frequently) and thyroid is not affected it seems

[@HerbsWithRosalee]

Hi, I've never heard of motherwort being avoided for any thyroid issues. I looked it up in the Botanical Safety Handbook (gold standard for herb safety) and there are no cautions nor studies showing any concerns for thyroid issues.
Warmly,
Karin Rose

[@valerie441]

Probably another fake study from white robs to scarry people away from mother nature. There are a lot of those now days.

[@MM-op6ys]

@@HerbsWithRosalee Thank you very much, I have so much motherwort in my yard and soon I can make my tincture.

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

Are you thinking of lemonbalm?

[@allaboutabasket]

I look forward to seeing this video. I have a motherwort tincture in the works because of another video you made. I received your book in the mail yesterday. Alchemy of Herbs. I really enjoy your clear and concise teaching style and look forward to all you have to offer ❤

[@HerbsWithRosalee]

Wonderful! We are happy to hear you are enjoying Rosalee's teaching style.
Cheers,
Karin Rose

[@paulashaham6282]

What a nice interview! I love motherwort

[@valerie441]

My motherwort thriving in my clay nusty soil. Go figure. It suffered first year but on second it bloomed healhty all summer and now it is already 4 feet tall. I made tincture for a friend for hight blood preassure but he freaked out coz it makes him pee. Wow. It is not really diuretic. It probably trying to fix the problem by flashing out stagnantation but you just cannot fix fear of natral mediicne in average person. I love my motherwort.

[@fanceypantsable]

Love this. All of these questions Iv always wanted to ask an expert. Amazing.

[@lornalevesque]

My motherwort made it through our Canadian winter into it's second year. I look forward to watching it grow and perhaps even harvesting some leaves. Thank you for another brilliant conversation

[@debbienovino4274]

I happen to run across you by accident. I have always been intrigued with herbs & medicine I have gone on your web very interesting. One of my questions is do you sell any of your products? I’m from Buffalo N.Y.

[@HerbsWithRosalee]

Welcome to Herbs with Rosalee! No, Rosalee does not sell products. She offers herbal courses, so you can learn more about herbs, remedies, and nature connection.
Cheers,
Karin Rose

[@fanceypantsable]

My motherwort is under my pine tree. I didn't plant it there it just planted itself. Seems very happy.